Saturday update
There may have been traffic jams on the roads out of Sydney, but most citizens seem to have stayed home and watched TV during APEC -- in particular the first quarter final of the rugby league season. Melbourne people preferred the second qualifying final of the AFL season.

At this point in the week, Seven is averaging 29.7 per cent of the prime time audience, with Nine on 26.8, Ten on 21.4, Chaser-boosted ABC on 17.0 and SBS on 5.2. But in Sydney, Nine is winning -- a situation that will doubtless continue tonight, with Melbourne devoted to more AFL on Ten and Sydney devoted to more NRL on Nine.

The big question is: will enough non-footy fans be tempted by Seven's John Travolta festival to keep Seven on top for the week? Or will all the Travolta fans be out seeing Hairspray at the movies?

Under these circumstances, tonight's Doctor Who is looking very tempting, even if it does include a reappearance by the annoying Captain Jack. What will you choose?

Friday update
Channel Nine won Thursday night, thanks to the slowly sinking Sea Patrol, and at this point in the week, the average prime time audience shares stand at: Seven 28.3 per cent, Nine 26.6, Ten 22.2, ABC 17.6 and SBS 5.2.What Australia watched, Thursday
1 Seven news (7) 1.42m
2 Home and Away (7) 1.38
3 Sea Patrol (9) 1.34
4 A Current Affair (9) 1.33
5 Today Tonight (7) 1.30
6 Nine news (9) 1.27
7 Temptation (9) 1.21
8 So You Can Think You Can Dance (10) 1.15
9 Getaway (9) 1.14
10 ABC news (ABC) 1.14
11 Ghost Whisperer (7) 1.11Thursday update
All those covers on the program guides worked -- Chris Lilley's new mockumentary, Summer Heights High, held onto 1.2 million viewers last night, a rare feat for the ABC. Of course it had The Chaser as a lead-in, but ABC viewers are usually turning on the electric blanket by 9.25pm. Lilley may be attracting an audience who normally would not be seen dead watching a network without commercials. (See below for how the ABC announced last night's results)

With the ABC pulling viewers from both Seven and Ten, Channel Nine won last night, and at this point in the week the average prime time audience shares stand at Seven 28.6 per cent, Nine 25.9, Ten 21.9, ABC 18.2, and SBS 5.4.

Normally the ABC executives do not talk about ratings, keeping their mind on higher things. But this morning's news was so exciting, they could not contain themselves, and sent out this release (do we think this is appropriate behaviour for the national broadcaster?):

"Summer Heights High
====================
* Last night's premiere achieved the highest audience of any ABC
TV comedy series launch since Mother and Son in 1992 with 1.6m.
* Debut episode achieved 5 city audience of 1.226 million and a
FTA household share of 26.5% (We Can Be Heroes peak audience was 850,000
(31/08/05); series HH Share 15.3%).
* Highest audience share in its timeslot amongst people 0-39 for
five cities combined.
* Won its timeslot in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
The Chaser's War on Everything
===============================
* The Chaser's War on Everything returned to ABC TV last night and
achieved its highest audience ever with 1.494 million viewers and ranked
second overall for the night.
* Won its timeslot for the 5 cities combined and in Sydney,
Brisbane and Perth.
* Had 5 city FTA people share of 31.0% and 5 city FTA HH share of
27.9%.
* Had the highest share in this timeslot among people aged 0-39
for the 5 cities combined (38.6%) and in each capital city.
* The program is now the second highest rating program on ABC TV
this year (based on peak episodes since 1st Jan). The highest was Spicks
and Specks with 1.517m.
Spicks and Specks
==================
* Achieved a 5 city audience of 1.42 million (peak audience 1.517
million, 30/05/07) and 5 city FTA people share 29.4%.
* Won its timeslot for the 5 cities combined and in Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
* Had the highest share in this timeslot among people aged 0-39
for the 5 cities combined (32.0%) and in each capital city.
* Spicks and Specks remains the top ABC TV program this year to
date (1.517 million, 30/05/07).
Wednesday 5th September
========================
* Last night, ABC TV's all Australian line-up achieved a 5 City
FTA prime time people share of 20.2% and household share of 19.9%.
* ABC TV achieved its highest Wednesday evening HH share for the
year to date in Sydney 21.9% (previous highest share was 21.1% on 30th
June 2007).
* ABC TV had 3 of the top 10 prime-time programs last night.
ABC TV's Head of Arts, Entertainment, Comedy Courtney Gibson said "It's
great to know Australian audiences are going so nuts about Spicks,
Chaser and Summer Heights High, with so many people tuning in live, and
so many others downloading the shows and streaming all the clips. The
fact that such audacious and uncompromising comedy is having such high
impact is genuinely thrilling."
Summer Heights High producer Laura Waters said "Chris and I are both so
excited that viewers are loving the show as much as we do, and can't
wait for them to see how the story of Summer Heights High unfolds over
the next seven weeks."
The Chaser's War on Everything Executive Producer, Julian Morrow said "I
thought Nicole Kidman was excellent in The Interpreter on Channel 10. It
was a great night's viewing."

The daily media report by David Dale, updated 10 am Tuesday
Channel Nine's agonies never stop. Last night it could manage only 22.6 per cent of the prime time audience, while Seven achieved 34.1 per cent. Word of mouth must have been good for City Homicide, because its audience grew by 50,000. Care to suggest how Nine might counterprogram?

But look at the figure for the repeat showing of Ten's Californication. Some of those may have been people coming back for a second look at the nudity, but if even half of them were new viewers, Ten has reason to be hopeful that word of mouth will boost episode two tonight, which will not be up against Seven's new hit City Homicide.

A slump for Kath and Kim meant Seven came second in audience share last night, with 25.2 per cent of viewers to Nine's 25.6 (Ten on 21.4, ABC on 21.0, and SBS on 6.8). Nine could win the week.

Updated 6pm Sunday
Channel Ten proudly announced last week that it had joined with Foxtel in providing a digital program guide, so subscribers could record Ten's shows simply by reading the program name on the screen and pressing a button on the remote. Ten proceeded to enrage viewers by putting its most popular program, House, on said program guide, but not inputting the correct broadcast times, with the result that viewers availing themselves of the new service found they had no recording of the crucial last ten minutes of the crucial season finale. Ten's chronic inability to adhere to a timetable makes the digital program guide a dubious breakthrough.

Not necessarily for this reason, Ten came third among the commercial networks, with an average of 23.2 per cent of the prime time audience. Seven squeaked in to win the week nationally, with 27.4 per cent of the audience to Nine's 26.4 per cent. The ABC got 16.2 per cent, thanks to Midsomer Murders and Spicks and Specks, and SBS got a 6.8, thanks to international athletics.

Nine had no trouble averaging the biggest audience in Sydney (28.2 per cent to Seven's 26.3), a situation that will doubtless continue till the end of the rugby league season.

LATEST COMMENTS

Talk about Australian Domination, 33 of the top 40 programs this week were Aussie made.

Posted by: Ryan on September 2, 2007 4:54 PM

Interesting rating trends to watch this week are : 1) Ten's current 9.30 pm Monday show line up, to see whether it increases or decreases it's viewers, while up against Denton interviewing Kyle Sandilands. 2) Seeing how The Chaser fares at 9 pm Wednesday at the start of it's new season, up against Ten's mediocre The Interpreter film and Las Vegas season 4 that Seven have moved to 8.30 pm Wednesdays (with Wednesday's Crossing Jordan crossover ep, being one Seven already screened a few weeks back). 3) With Nine's ultra bland Sea Patrol show losing ratings, seeing this whether Ten's SYTYCD (at 7.30 Thursday this week and in a double episode block, probably to continue in other weeks also) will maintain it's solid national ratings, after easily beating Seven's dull 8.30 pm Thursday line up and coming fairly close to Sea Patrol's ratings.

Posted by: Ted on September 2, 2007 6:24 PM

Channel Nine wants to know why it keeps losing the ratings,one just needs to look to their choice of not to show a finals game live (NZ vs Parammta) this Friday.All they need to do is move a Current Affair
to after the game....who knows it might get people to watch!!!

Posted by: andrew fowler on September 2, 2007 7:02 PM

It'd be understandable for My Name is Earl series fans being motivated to download the series (as most readers are probably doing) instead of seeing it on free to air, considering Seven show MNIE's episodes out of order (Sunday Sept. 2's episode Seven screened with Burt Reynolds guest starring, is actually season 2's 2nd episode).

Posted by: Talia on September 2, 2007 8:13 PM

SBS' athletics programming was great. Much applause for the week. And commercial stations take note - It's not just about getting the names right but showing the FIELD events!!!!
K&K - lasted 10 minutes last night. All this pointless brand name dropping...
Dr Who reached new levels of delight on Saturday. How good is this show? Fabulous.
BTW I just read the top 40 list for last week and realised how out of touch I am. Fifty minutes worth of three shows and I didn't even see one of them all the way through. I've become very discerning!

Posted by: David @ Wahroonga on September 3, 2007 6:52 AM

I reckon Kath and Kim jumped the shark last night. Deeply unfunny, and the amateurish swipe at Work Choices.. like d'uh...Love to see if the audiece dropped off in the last half, and to see next weeks figures.

Posted by: Rick on September 3, 2007 8:37 AM

1. I've turned off Kath & Kim. The new series isn't up to the standard of previous outings, the jokes have got very flat, and I don't enjoy ads breaking up the continuity. I'll wait until this current series comes out on DVD.
2. Three Men And A Boat on the ABC was very enjoyable - relaxing Sunday night viewing.
3. Midsomer Murders - will be greatly missed by me! The first episode of the new series features Cully's wedding and the return of Gavin Troy, Barnaby's former offsider.

Posted by: Evan on September 3, 2007 10:11 AM

G'day TM,
How did Rove go up against the movies last night?

I tuned out half way. The guests were not my Tetleys.

Oh and can I say thank God the athletics have finished on SBS. I watch athletics once every four years (on the five ringed circus) but I don't want them interupting some of the good stuff on SBS.

I had to actually watch some of Dame Edna on Saturday because of the athletics!

I'm disappointed they didn't repeat The Office after Californication last night as I missed the majority of it due to watching The King.

Posted by: Earthquake on September 3, 2007 10:30 AM

Hey can anyone please tell me why 9 news did so well last night?
AND TM could you please tell me how many people watched 7's AFL Sydney V Hawthorn Sunday afternoon around 1p, shown in Sydney and I assume Brisbane only?

Tribal MInd replies: 89,000 in Sydney, 42,000 in Brisbane. NIne news always does well on Sundays.

Posted by: ryan on September 3, 2007 10:52 AM

Lasted about 5 mins with K & K, very unfunny. Also managed to last through the last item of 60 mins. Good to see Ray back doing what he does best.
Also watched SBS news - love that Lee Lin Chin. Then the excellent Midsomer Murders came on and actually had a decent night's viewing.
Pity it was the season final. Now there won't be anything worth watching on Sunday night.

Posted by: Killer Bees on September 3, 2007 11:25 AM

Just wondering David, does anything on ABC2 show up on the weekly ratings figures? And while on the subject of ABC Digital, does anyone know why the ABC broadcasts its news bulletin on its SD channel and not on its HD channel?

For those interested, SBS is showing repeats of the excellent Danish crime show Unit One starting this Thurs, 8:30pm. If you missed it last time round, try episode one on for size. An excellent antidote if you are a bit jaded with CSI/Law&Order styles of crime series.

Posted by: tafkao on September 3, 2007 12:01 PM

@Talia: Last night's episode of 'My Name Is Earl' was episode 20 of season 2 (it featured a recap of episode 2 at the beginning to set up what followed). Channel Seven did show the first season of 'Earl' ridiculously out of order but season 2 has been shown in the correct sequence.

Posted by: par3182 on September 3, 2007 12:10 PM

This week, SEVEN will be showing a double episode of "Ghost Whisperer" from 7.30pm Thursday. It will be followed by "Fight Of Life" from 9.25pm to 10.35pm.
"The Time Of Your Life" has been rescheduled for 10.30pm tomorrow night (Tuesday) after "Life Begins". It will be followed by "Standoff" @ 11.40pm.

Posted by: cpandilo on September 3, 2007 12:17 PM

Seven are panicking with their Thursday night line bheing a dud, as Ten's SYTYCD is beating them, but putting double Ghost Whisp episodes is probably too much for most viewers. They seemed to be doing well with 2 year old That 70's Show double episodes at 7.30 and could've put Ghost at 8.30 pm.

Posted by: Karen on September 3, 2007 1:12 PM

Kath and Kim is pathetic, not even worth watching, how many times can they say the name Sharon and then laugh at her, even their voices are becoming annoying.. as for their pathetic swipe and John Howard and WorkChoices- thats really pathetic cant they keep politics out of a comedy.. but the show is obviously on the side of unions but what do u expect from channel 7 (who are nothing but an advertisement for the Labor party- just watch their news and its pretty obvious) and the abc (since most of the people who work on it are from the abc)

Posted by: dave on September 3, 2007 1:34 PM

TM: re 'Kath & Kim' losing 700,000 viewers in the space of three episodes - is that some kind of record?

Posted by: par3182 on September 3, 2007 1:43 PM

Must admit to feeling a little disappointed with this series of Kath and Kim as well.

Not sure what it is but the whole format this year seems forced - the actors don't seem as relaxed and the controlled camera work and Kath's new wig seem really manufactured.

It's often a curse when good comedy shows shift from the ABC to commercial but there was something deliciously daggy about the series when it was at the ABC.

I still thinks it funny but just lacking that non-commercial look!

Can't stand the ad breaks either -its like watching ads during a show at the theatre - it just doesn't work!

Posted by: grant james on September 3, 2007 1:52 PM

Quoth Tribal Mind: "Nothing on ABC2 ever shows up on weekly ratings charts."
I know, and it annoys me. I'm really enjoying ABC2 at the moment: Spaced on Sunday nights (which I *completely* forgot about last night, so shall be staying up late to watch it tomorrow night); Red Dwarf repeats (yes, I know I saw them all years ago); Good Game; plus lots of music, and a decent collection of repeated ABC shows (and even more ABC Kids, which came in VERY handy the other week, at home with a sick child).
And the wonderfulness of NO ads. Bliss. :)

Posted by: tqd on September 3, 2007 3:07 PM

Yes, David @ Wahroonga, Dr Who was indeed fabulous!
I confess I've found some of the earlier episodes this season to be a bit ho-hum, but the last three have been really good.
Can't agree with you about SBS's sport last week. A huge turn off for me. I could care less about watching people run, jump, swim, farnarkle or whatever.

Posted by: Sal on September 3, 2007 3:16 PM

What exactly is going on at the moment? Last week we had a couple of rare events with a local Lunar eclipse and South Sydney qualifying for the rugby league semi-finals.
But the most incredible feeling I experienced was checking the Sun-Herald TV guide and noticing that Channel Shirl McEnroe does not have an episode of The Simpsons scheduled at all for next Saturday.
Has the world gone topsy-turvey??

Tribal Mind asks Would you mind just providing a reminder for new readers: why is Channel Ten called Shirl McEnroe?

Posted by: Sacs on September 3, 2007 3:44 PM

Coincidental to the discussion late last week about Emma Thompson's planned appearance on House I watched the Cambridge Footlights Revue from 1982. It is an extra on the second season of 'A Bit of Fry and Laurie'. It has a scene with Thompson playing the kind of patient that would infuriate House (but he would love what finally motivates her). It also has a classic monologue for those Stephen Fry fans who have recently mentioned here his appearance on Parky. It is called The Letter and is nearly 10 minutes long but worth it. The patient sketch is much shorter.
The Letter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKdGwfMD8u8
The invalid:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZD72y28fSc&mode=related&search=

Posted by: Cat on September 3, 2007 3:45 PM

I was saddened to hear the death of Robert Fidgeon over the weekend, he was a legend in the television industry and he will be sadly missed, Fidgeon died on Saturday night losing his battle with Cancer, he was 65.

R.I.P Robert Fidgeon

Posted by: Reid on September 3, 2007 3:53 PM

greetings from fortress APEC - I know this is about viewing but just thought I would share the most recent bit for you all - we have just been told we are in "lockdown" for the whole APEC period - this means we need our id passes to travel one floor - oh the joy!
Now on to the pertinent issues - for those who have pondered why some of us who call Channel 10 - Ch SHirl McEnroe it comes from their catch phrase "seriously". the McEnroe is "you cannot be serious" and Shirl if from the film flying high - as in "surely you cannort be serious - don't call me shirley"
See parky this week has the fab Keith Allen - Bodies and Robin Hood - looking forward to that one

Posted by: Cathy on September 3, 2007 4:05 PM

In response to TM's request, here are my definitions for Tribal Minders.
Seriously - Advertising catchphrase used by Network Ten for station identification and marketing purposes. Considered by some to be lame and not entirely accurate (see below).
Shirl - short for Shirley, from a scene in the Flying High (Airplane) films, when asked (best said aloud with an American accent) "Surely you can't be serious", Leslie Neilsen replies "I am and don't call me Shirley." The inference being Shirley can't be serious.
McEnroe (John) - famous retired tennis player best remembered for his short temper and on court outbursts including his abuse directed to an official: "You cannot be serious!"
Shirl McEnroe - an alias complied by Tribal Mind readers to
describe Channel Ten, as not being serious, particularly with their constant disregard for viewers with their practice of running overtime for shows such as Big Brother, The Biggest Loser & Australian Idol. Their poor treatment and contempt for viewers of shows such as Veronica Mars, The Shield, Torchwood, Smallville, amongst others by dumping them from their schedules mid-season or to after midnight . Also, the sheer lunacy that shows such as Yasmin's Getting Married, Celebrity Dog School & The Con Test were produced to be rating successes for the network.
Other readers may like to make up some clever names for the networks and offer their own definitions if TM is agreeable.

Posted by: Sacs on September 3, 2007 4:26 PM

HAHAHAHAHA, sacs and cathy, you crack me up.
That is so funny, Channel 10 is now Channel Shirl McEnroe to me now.

Posted by: Rich on September 3, 2007 5:33 PM

Yes, I, like others on this blog, will sorely miss Midsomer Murders, although it does seem to be a crime-infested little place, just like Mount Thomas was for Blue Heelers :o)
Shame on you, Cathy. The Lord Mayor has specifically & unequivocally stated that "lockdown" is not to be used in conjunction with the APEC woo-haa... even if that is really what is happening :o) Clover's equivalent of ignoring the elephant, I suppose....
TM ? If we are into week 35... how many more weeks of ratings officially to go... 13?
Does this mean that Ch 7 now has the "year" in the bag? Wonder if that will change any programming plans... especially as the election draws nigh & TV will be full of it & the campaign ads...

Tribal MInd replies: Probably.

Posted by: kate on September 3, 2007 5:43 PM

We already have names for the other 2 channels at my place. From our stint living in Melbourne, Nein is Channel Eddie coz he was on the screen just about every time you turned it on and now 7 is Channel Griggs (as in Johanna, for the same reason)
I also have a question.
What do TV stations do with the stars that they spend heaps of money on pinching from other networks (mostly ABC)??? I am thinking of people like Tony Squires, Tim Ferguson, Julia Zemiro etc. Do they have some warehouse somewhere where they keep them on ice so no other station can pinch them??

Posted by: grumpy on September 3, 2007 6:31 PM

Since Ten didn't bother mentioning it at the conclusion of Monday night's show, for fans of The Office show, Ten are admirably showing (for the time being) double episodes, with the second episode slotted for 10.40 pm this Sunday (there's no repeat screening of the Cali show, as was the case last week). It's not a repeat of Monday night's Office episode. That's fine with me, as showing double episodes at
10.30 pm Sundays is what I suggested they do, as The Office only appeals to more discerning commercial TV viewers and always will.

Posted by: Greg on September 3, 2007 11:24 PM

Absolutely loved Dr Who this week,it was the best one i have seen yet. It was so creepy...

Posted by: vanessa on September 4, 2007 12:16 AM

A partial reason the K&K series has shed over half a million viewers from the first episode, isn't so much that it's got worse and more mediocre(although I realise for some viewers, that it has), but that a large number of the ABC viewing snobs (who followed K&K when it was on ABC) who initially tuned in, got turned off by the ad interruptions, even though they could've just taped it and watched it later to fast forward all ads, as many viewers are probably doing, but doing that probably doesn't register as a rating for the show (if someone has an OzTam meter on their TV), even though it should.

Posted by: Cris on September 4, 2007 7:40 AM

Watched my recording of Enough Rope last night inlcuding Andrew's interview with Vile Sandypants. I thought it may give me some reason to like him slightly but all I can say is he is an arrogant wanker...anyone who argues bullying only involves repetitive harassment of one person over a period of needs serious help - or something else really. His argument that if he is in a bad mood at the start of his radio show that it goes for whole programme is lame - how old are you? 2! Even my 2 year niece and nephews have more maturity than that - I found no redeeming character at all and anyone who wants to punch a comic in the throat after one remark, well what can I say! I cannot believe people in Syndey actually listen to his garbage - I am not one of them nor will I ever be!

Interesting to see the names of the new "celebs" on Dancing with the Stars methinks there will be some very wooden performances - sort of like watching car crashes.

Re naming of the FTA channels - I still have not got the right handle for Nein (Eddie) or Seven... Shirl McEnroe was just too easy.

And kate althogh Clover said not to use the word lockdown in relation to APEC - surprising she didn't tell others as that was the message we got on our internal mail. I am finding it rather strange to be filmed everytime I walk through the fence (I work in the north of the CBD and come via the Quay) - both yesterday and today cameras have been there - plus I have never seen so many police lingering near buildings..perhaps I should be alert and alarmed

Posted by: Cathy on September 4, 2007 8:43 AM

Wow. That was a good night for Ch7. I wonder how many more weeks of Border Security they have up their sleeve? It really helps the shows that follow - the Force, for example, didn't rate anywhere near that figure when it was on another night.
Looks like Californication came in third. Would Ch10 be satisfied with that?
Caught the Kyle Sandilands interview on Denton last night. I am usually a great fan of Denton's interviewing style, but his line of questioning last night left me a bit cold. He spent the whole time trying to bait Sandilands to say something outrageous, and I thought Sandilands handled it quite well and I think came out of the interview looking much better than I had anticipated.

Posted by: JB on September 4, 2007 10:25 AM

If Channel 9 adopts its usual approach to programing when attempting to counter program City Homicide they will likely opt for a clip show of some description that costs nothing to produce because it relies on old archive footage from other programs.

I still can't believe they are 'resting' temptation in favour of Millionaire. Is it because Temptation viewer numbers spike when the prize money is high or is it because they are trying to ensure Eddie is earning every cent of his salary?

Either way haven't they learnt their lesson, no-one wants to watch Millionaire 5 nights a week, they've tried it before at 5:30pm.

Zero interest Sharon

Posted by: JAK on September 4, 2007 10:32 AM

Oh dear. Channel Nein really don't have much to combat 7's Monday line-up. TM, when you asked how we would counter-program, I started thinking about it and really there isn't anything aside from CSI's, Cold Case or Without a Trace. ER perhaps? They wouldn't risk Sea Patrol against City Homicide. Weeds? No, wouldn't rate. Maybe they should just concede and concentrate on Wednesdays when they have a better chance against 7.

In other news, for Doctor Who fans, it will be returning next year for another series, but there will be no series in 2009, instead there willbe 3 telemovies. This is to freshen up the writing and also to let David Tennant take time off to work on the stage with the RSC. Idea behind it is to convince Tennant to stay on in the role by giving him time off to pursue other opportunities. BBC have confirmed the 5th series for 2010.

Posted by: cronk on September 4, 2007 10:37 AM

Good to see "City Homicide" building on last week's audience. I always thought this show had the potential to be a ratings winner and is more likely to keep attracting a big audience every week rather than something like "Sea Patrol" which is limited by being set on a ship.

What I really like about "City Homicide" is that it seems to be contemporary and has its own style but it still tells stories in an Australian way dramatically with dashes of larrikin comedy. The regular cast is great and so are the guest performances.

Posted by: J Bar on September 4, 2007 10:42 AM

Interesting to see Californication retain most of it's debut audience - esp after Channel Shirley put ANOTHER L&O SVU repeat!

I think the expected complaints from Church groups, right wingers and President of John Howard Fan Club, Andrew Bolt, guaranteed some viewers to tune in just to see what the fuss was all about. I also expect a lot of horny men tuning in to see more female nudity and a few horny women to see David Duchovny's bare butt.

Also noticed the HUGE slump re Kath and Kim - from 2.5m to 1.7m!

As for THE OFFICE - well I enjoy this US version - even if others don't. I think the reason it rates so poorly here is that after the first day of the working week - many people do not want to be reminded of "the office" when they get home. Although it is funny - it is , for me, too real as I have worked with and for the types of people portrayed in the show.

I did however expect it to be relegated to midnight Sundays after the first week.

Some of my fave sitcoms like Weeds, Will and Grace, Scrubs and now The Office - have all failed here. Oh well.

Posted by: bettestreep on September 4, 2007 10:42 AM

Recorded Cali to watch tonight as I am an ER fan and sat up to catch it. But I had to endure a good 10 mins of that moron McGuire whilst waiting for ER to start.

I know it has been said before on this forum but why oh why can't networks ever start anything on time? Don't they have clocks? Or do they just like to seriously p**s off their viewers! I suppose they do it on purpose to stop people switching over to another channel but I am so damn sick of it. It makes it impossible to record anything accurately and I just really hate being forced to watch a show I dont want to see whilst waiting to see one I do!

And why is that 1 vs 100 crap still on anyway? Why would anyone watch it? I wish Eddie Everywhere would disappear into TV oblivion where we belongs and take Vile Sandypants with him. Another person I can't stand.

Anyway, enough of my rant, but I just had to say it. I am so sick of shows running overtime.

And BTW, Dr Who last sat. was the best this season. Very creepy. I shall never look at a statue the same way again! Remember, don't blink!!!

Posted by: em on September 4, 2007 10:49 AM

Here's a suggestion for Channel Nine: Close down.

Posted by: Helen Watt on September 4, 2007 10:51 AM

Re: A partial reason the K&K series has shed over half a million viewers from the first episode, isn't so much that it's got worse and more mediocre but that a large number of the ABC viewing snobs got turned off by the ad interruptions.
Posted by: Cris on September 4, 2007 7:40 AM

What a trite and dismal observation.
Describe an "ABC viewer". Or an "ABC viewing snob".
Grey slacks and a cardigan, 55, chops and vegetables for dinner with apple pie after??
As a regular viewer and fan of the show in its hey-day, which coincided with it being shown on the ABC it was not the ad breaks that have now seen me turn it off every episode (and I'm not going back), rather it was the ridiculously cruel humor, the non-creative story lines, the incessant brand names, the non-interaction between the characters where previously there had been plenty. I could go on.
The show is not what it was. ABC viewers obviously tuned in hoping the sparkling wit and repartee would have been added to abundantly after a 3 year rest and an injection of funds by the commercial channel 7.
Personally I like quality TV irrespective of the channel - Sopranos, West Wing, Simpsons, Dr Who, Top Gear, MythBusters.
K&K is not quality viewing. This show should be so much better but it isn't. I'm not going to be a cheerleader for that.
Just as I can't say that Denton was good either. Cause he wasn't.
I just can't come at him at all - supercilious, pompous, arrogant.
But last night I gave enough rope a chance cause I'd heard a good review or two of the interview with Sandilands. Both gentlemen came away looking like tossers.

Posted by: David @ Wahroonga on September 4, 2007 11:02 AM

bettestreep - Law & Order SVU has no new eps left - the last one of the most recent season was the one where they were all investigated. The original Law & Order is the only one with new eps left.

Helen Watt - love the suggestion re Nein closing down. If they want to attract viewers to Monday they should put alternatives to Crime Shows - perhaps they can make it their comedy night... and no that does not mean any more Eddie! Surely they have some comedy residing on the shelf? Men In Trees, even the final season of Gilmore Girls, the final eps of Joan of Arcadia or Judging Amy, the held back last 3 eps of Cold Case... I don't know anything like that may work. ER earlier than 9.40(ish with the emphasis on ish).. Really anything but Eddie would be good.

Posted by: Cathy on September 4, 2007 11:15 AM

Dr. Who will be replaced on September 29 by the new serie of New Tricks.

Posted by: Gary on September 4, 2007 11:27 AM

Does anyone know the figures for The Office? Were they better or worse than last week?

The lack of appreciation this show gets here is appalling :( It's either rejected by those who don't get the humour, or by the snobs who refuse to give it a chance because they're obsessed with Ricky Gervais. It's a brilliant show, quite different from the original, and I love it to death.

Posted by: Mia on September 4, 2007 11:46 AM

Thought City Homicide was great last night. The 1hr format is much better for it as the 2hr opener dragged its heels at times. Much better then that Sea Patrol garbage. Its probably got the two best lead ins a show like that could ask for as well. High rating and both police/security related.

Posted by: matt on September 4, 2007 11:49 AM

It is time for Channel Nein to jump the whale ...

Posted by: Professor Ceril Hardpipes on September 4, 2007 11:52 AM

While I wanted to like Californication and I will defend its right to be screened, it got a little too straight male last night for our household. While my tolerance level is higher, the discussion about the lower part of the female anatomy was grossing my partner out.

I'm sure there may be other gay males and straight women who may be interested, but it was enough for us.

Posted by: Caligrossification on September 4, 2007 12:03 PM

Channel 9 could try something different, like programming good shows!

I mean, they could show great, quality programming, over time developing a reputation for quality drama. But instead they rely on money and nostalgia.

It just doesn't work. I can't imagine how they would cope if there was genuine competition in the TV industry in OZ.

(Note: "The Office (rpt)" is not an error. My programming has it at a different timeslot later in the week.)
What do you think so far?
Would you watch any of these programs?
Stay tuned....

Posted by: cpandilo on September 4, 2007 1:14 PM

Quoth Caligrossification on September 4, 2007 12:03 PM: "While I wanted to like Californication and I will defend its right to be screened, it got a little too straight male last night for our household. While my tolerance level is higher, the discussion about the lower part of the female anatomy was grossing my partner out."

Actually, I rather liked that scene. It was quite an indictment of the modern propensity towards cosmetic surgery and the insecurity some women have as regards their bodies and their perceived lack of "perfection".

Although I found the whole idea of women stripping off and asking DD what they thought of their bodies just plain strange. But maybe women do that all the time in Hollywood. :)

The gross-out scenes (thinking of the vomit here) had me hiding under the blanket until they were finished. Reeeevolting. (And I'm sure the South Park boys did it better at some stage. If you want revolting with style, that's where you should take your lessons from.)

Last night's episode was more intriguing than the first - the bad bits were worse, but the good bits were better. I'll be back again to check it out next week, at least.

Hey, what are the chances of the Chaser boys turning up at APEC sometime during this week...?

Posted by: tqd on September 4, 2007 1:57 PM

Does anyone have any info as to when (or if) channel 7 will air Shark? I really enjoyed it while it lasted and I don't think 7 gave it a fair go *sigh*.

Am enjoying City Homicide though.

Oh, and my 2cents is that nein is mad to take Temptation off air for Eddie. It's byu far the most watchable of the current crop of quiz shows (which I mostly find unbearable) IMO.

Posted by: jabbajaws on September 4, 2007 2:03 PM

My suggestion for Nein - The Two.

em, here's my recording strategy.
Record 20 minutes past the scheduled finish time of the show, 30 minutes for after midnight and 60 minutes if it's following anything sports-related on Nein.

If the show starts after 8.30pm, start recording 15 minutes early.

Works almost every time, though you need at least two recorders to leapfrog recording sessions on different channels.

And yes, their policy is a deliberate hostility to recording, not an aberration, and the originator of overruns was The Footy Show under Eddie Everywhere circa 2000, so blame him.

Posted by: tafkao on September 4, 2007 2:07 PM

Notch up another vote for the US Version of "The Office". The best show on TV - it is one of only a handful of shows' that I'll defect from Cable TV to FTA for.

(This is usually the point where Ch 10's 1st year graduates decide to move it to some god foresaken time to show some new take on Idol - "Bathroom Habits of the Top 10 Australian Idol wannabees")

Posted by: AlphaVictor on September 4, 2007 2:16 PM

whenever city homicide is on, ch.9 should go tit-for-tat with NEW CSI/Miami/NY episodes.

and put repeats on tuesday nites.

but they'll shoot themselves in the foot by doing new and repeats interspersed. hang on, they're already doing that with csi:miami on tuesday nites...

Posted by: arthur on September 4, 2007 2:48 PM

Quoth tafkao on September 4, 2007 2:07 PM" "... the originator of overruns was The Footy Show under Eddie Everywhere circa 2000, so blame him."
Actually, it was happening well before that. I remember a friend racing home one night to catch Star Trek: The Next Generation. He got pulled over by the police, who scolded them (probably after doing a double-take at such a weird excuse!), and they got home 20 minutes after its due start. And it still hadn't started.
This was circa mid-1990s, if my (very fuzzy) memory serves me correct.
Somehow, I never remember having to set the VCR for 20 minutes either side of the expected screening time for Buffy, another late night show (but screening on Channel 7, not Channel 9). Am I just forgetful?

Posted by: tqd on September 4, 2007 2:54 PM

If so many thousands of us are supposedly out of town during APEC will the overall viewing figures drop for the week do you think TM?
Hey, what are the chances of the Chaser boys turning up at APEC sometime during this week...?
About the same as Dubya repeating his Howard is a man of steel line. If APEC is really giving you the shi%$ pop along to the corner of Cleveland and Elizabeth. A friend told me a shop is selling Bush toilet paper.

Posted by: Cat on September 4, 2007 3:49 PM

Asking any viewer of Border Security... what was the dangerous item that the man had in his suitcase, the item which "could bring down" a plane? ... yes the promo had me intrigued but had to work back at work so missed the show...

Posted by: kate on September 4, 2007 4:28 PM

Nine need to move 1 vs. 100 up to 7.30pm to try and get it to anchor the evening. It would also have a better chance of retaining the Temptation game show lead in. Then I suggest they return Cold Case and The Closer and launch a female led night of drama from 8.30. ER should run in summer.

Posted by: Ryan on September 4, 2007 4:44 PM

to CPandillo - your programming strategy for Ch10 baffles me ...isn't that their schedule for Mondays already? What am I missing here?

Posted by: JB on September 4, 2007 4:59 PM

Kate - the dangerous item was fireworks - I had great fun reminiscing to my children about the good old days where you went to the newsagent and bought a big bag of fireworks (like the ones this man was carrying), and how much fun cracker night was......
On another topic, I heard the reason that Who Wants to be a Millionaire was returning was so that Nine would honour their contract to show it. Doesn't mean I think it is a good idea to replace Temptation with it, not that I watch either show.

Posted by: JB on September 4, 2007 6:15 PM

Cathy - I gathered that last weeks L&O SVU was the season finale (and what an excellent episode it was too) - but rather than put a repeat on last night - couldn't they have put new eps of say Supernatural?
Putting L&O up against City Homicide is silly - as most people would rather watch an Australian crime drama over a US one (no matter how good the latter is).
Hopefully Channel Shirl will follow their House policy and begin screening new eps direct from the US.
As a huge fan of the L&O franchise (they pump all over the CSI crap), I would love to find out what happens with the end season "investigation".
Mia - I agree with you re the shameful response to "The Office". The US version has become a show on it's own and can no longer be compared to the "allegedly" better UK version.
I just can't understand what is so great about Ricky Gervais. He is not funny nor talented but critics go ga ga everytime he farts!
Well tonight is another yawn night - might whip out my DVDs and watch quality sitcoms like Will & Grace, Little Britain or Cheers.

Posted by: bettestreep on September 4, 2007 6:22 PM

Had my best friend over for dinner tonight, and we were discussing Kath and Kim. We have both been huge fans from the beginning (in fact, I was planning my wedding when the first series was airing, and there were a few too many similarities to Kath's wedding for my liking - red backless bridesmaid dresses freaked me right out, as did watching the wedding episode the night before my wedding, showing the garbage trucks arriving to pick up the rubbish as the opening to Kath's wedding day - then awaking on my wedding day to the sounds of garbage trucks!! There were a few more but are forgotten now. But it was just so funny and so Australian - the bother with the bridesmaids, the in-fighting over dresses, even one of my bridesmaids chucking a Kimmie and putting on weight before the wedding!!) Our agreed opinion is simply this - they haven't changed because they've gone to channel 7, it's nothing to do with budget, but simply that they have gone one (or two for that matter) series too many. The end of Season 3 with Kylie Minogue guest starring as Eppy on her wedding day was a perfect bookend to the series, they really left themselves with nowhere to go. Da Kath and Kim Code was funny in its way, but they honestly don't seem to have enough material for a full series now, which is why I don't find it as funny as I used to. I'm not affected by the ads, I record it (I'm an Idol girl, through and through, you may judge me, but as a former singer/actor as a child, I find the whole Idol journey fascinating, and find it a very social experience as well). SO, it's not the ads, it's not ABC snobbery (hell, I just admitted to watching Channel Teen/McEnroe), it's just simply time for them to call it a day. (ACtually two years ago was time for them to call it a day, DK&KC was unneccessary, this series is sinking fast).
As for nine's Monday theory - why not bring back Gilmore Girls/Joan of Arcadia or make ER earlier just so it's not ANOTHER crime show night. I just go to the ABC because I hate crime shows and I watch it due to there being nothing else on (or recently i've been watching my taped Kath and Kim + Earl in that time, waiting for Denton). Not everybody loves crime!!
Finally (sorry this is a small novel) re: Enough Rope last night - the only tool there was Kyle Sandilands, I think Denton did a really good job with someone as pointless, arrogant and annoying as Kyle. The interview he did with the soldiers that had been fighting with Iraq was amazing, as was the interviews last week with the Aboriginal Young Australian of the Year (sorry, can't remember her name) - the last interview left me laughing, crying and just totally engaged as a viewer. Kyle had me wanting to throw objects (my husband moved our tv remotes out of my reach to protect the tv). I think Denton is as good as his subject - with someone as moronic as Kyle, it takes a more aggressive approach to get anything of substance out of him. Still enjoyed Denton, but just confirmed my hatred of the most useless man in television and radio.

Posted by: Beckala on September 4, 2007 10:45 PM

Yay: Chaser returns tomorrow night, ten is showing a movie, atleast now I won't have to choose between House and Chaser!

Posted by: Sarah on September 4, 2007 11:35 PM

Thanks JB... I also remember firework nights at home, loved the Catherine wheels & my parents were very diligent so no one lost eyes or any fingers... thanks for the answer!

Millionaire replacing a Temptation, as some one I heard say tonight, same same but different... why replace a quiz show that isn't working with another quiz show ? Channel Nine would be better off running repeat of Laverne & Shirley or Happy Days... nostalgia seems to work for them...

Re U.K Office & USA Office, for me the UK office wins and not because of Ricky Gervais, but because of Nigel and Tim... the interview room scenes had me crying with tears of laughter... and the actor who played Tim was just so beautifully cast... the US version casting is not up to the same standard, in my opinion.

Posted by: kate on September 5, 2007 12:09 AM

Hey David, just wondering how the Steve Irwin show on Monday night rated as haven't seen or heard anything of it in the blogs.
Cheers mate.

Hi TM,
How did Torchwood rate? Sorry to keep pestering you about this graveyard shift show. Only one more week to go! I am still interested in seeing how it is faring at midnight!

Tribal Mind replies: There has been no miracle recovery. I've put it in the chart, above.

Posted by: Adam on September 5, 2007 9:39 AM

For those interested, SBS is showing repeats of the excellent Danish crime show Unit One starting this Thurs, 8:30pm. If you missed it last time round, try episode one on for size. An excellent antidote if you are a bit jaded with CSI/Law&Order styles of crime series.
Posted by: tafkao on September 3, 2007 12:01 PM

Thanks for that! I am really going to miss "The Eagle"on Thurs nights- it was the best crime show on TV in a long time. Will watch out for "Unit One"

Posted by: redscorpio on September 5, 2007 9:40 AM

I was wondering how George Bush's arrival last night rated?
Since this APEC summit is costing us over $300m - shouldn't all the TV stations have shown this monumental occassion???
I've looked through the TV guide and can't see any listing for APEC.
Please help! Like so many Australians - I am desperate to watch as much of this APEC meeting as possible. I'll just die if I miss the Opening or Closing Ceremonies!!!

Tribal Mind replies: I think it was listed as Torchwood (see above)

Posted by: bettestreep on September 5, 2007 10:21 AM

Thanks for the tips on recording , tqg & tafkao, but my argument is that I shouldnt have to waste half a tape just trying to catch the beginning and end of something. Silly me, I know!

Trouble is I often forget something is on that late till the next day. Like Torchwood. I have missed a couple of eps cause of my forgetfulness. Must be old age setting in!

"Shark" will return later in the year to SEVEN, & Nine no longer has the rights to "Happy Days".

Next week, TEN will be showing new "The Office" @ 10.45pm Sunday night + 10.10pm Monday.

Posted by: cpandilo on September 5, 2007 11:32 AM

Hey TM, just wanted to know how Time of Your Life went last night at 10.30pm on Seven last night? Thnx

Tribal Mind replies: That detail is in the statistics on my home computer. I will be back there about 7pm. and will supply the answer. Watch this space.

Posted by: Reid on September 5, 2007 11:33 AM

It seems Sydney has especially ditched ch9 on Tuesday nights.

Posted by: TGO on September 5, 2007 12:37 PM

Quoth bettestreep on September 4, 2007 6:22 PM: "I just can't understand what is so great about Ricky Gervais. He is not funny nor talented but critics go ga ga everytime he farts!"
I've seen more of the American version than the British version, and I'm fairly lukewarm towards both of them. It's just all far too close to the bone and painful, rather than funny, for me.
But Ricky Gervais in Extras (especially the second season) was excellent. Will there be a third season? Will there be another season of Absolute Power, another favourite of mine?
And, TM, how did First Tuesday Bookclub go last night (ABC, 10pmish)? I am hoping that viewers will suddenly discover it, and realise there is more to life than watching TV.
Quoth Cat on September 4, 2007 3:49 PM: "If APEC is really giving you the shi%$ pop along to the corner of Cleveland and Elizabeth. A friend told me a shop is selling Bush toilet paper."
I am *so* there. Got stuck in APEC traffic from hell this morning. (With two squabbling children in the backseat. Argh.)

Posted by: tqd on September 5, 2007 12:40 PM

"Don't call me Shirley" was said by Lloyd Bridges in Flying High.
Ricky Gervais and his tall skinny mate wrote the UK version of The Office and have had creative input into the US version.
Kyle sux.
Dr Who rocks.
PS and completely off-topic, can anyone tell me what happened to The Daily Truth?

Tribal MInd remarks: What could the concept of "completely off topic" mean on this blog? Is there a topic?

Posted by: fenny bate on September 5, 2007 1:05 PM

Channel 9 are taking on Monday nights with a clip show to beat all clip shows. It's a whole program of clips from YouTube! It's called iCaught or something like that.
I saw an promo of it on Sopranos last night.

Posted by: merciless on September 5, 2007 1:18 PM

I caught a bit of Torchwood last night. Was it my imagination, or did the fact that Torchwood was relocated to the grave yard timeslot not stop it from running over time?

Posted by: stephen on September 5, 2007 2:29 PM

I look forward to seeing how poor old McLeod's does tonight. AS it didn't crack a million last week and is getting thrashed by TGYH I have a feeling that 9 are going to have to pull it. I'm thinking repeats of "Friends" are just around the corner for Wednesday night at 7.30pm - any takers?

Posted by: Matt on September 5, 2007 2:49 PM

I'll just die if I miss the Opening or Closing Ceremonies!!!
Too many rings bettestreep, APEC is a 3 ring circus. The metal fences are to keep the animals safely inside and all the keepers have guns. No horses this time but there is a cannon that only fires water. I can't wait to see the clowns in their costumes.

Posted by: Les on September 5, 2007 4:32 PM

"Don't call me Shirley" was said by Lloyd Bridges in Flying High"
Wrong. It was Leslie Neilsen.
I'm trying really hard to like Crime Investigation Australia, I really am. It's the kind of "documentary" style program that I like. I'm getting pretty certain though that Channel Nein are annoyed that the content of the show is ruining all the opportunities for the commercial breaks. Honestly, there are more breaks in there than I can stomach, and end up turning off after the first 17 breaks.

Posted by: cronk on September 5, 2007 5:04 PM

I predict:
Chasers War on Everything, tonight to get 2.0 million.....

Posted by: Ryan of Perth on September 5, 2007 5:36 PM

Hey Ryan of Perth - I think Spicks and Chasers will rate very well tonight about 1.6 - 1.8m. Without House - I too will be sitting back and watching these shows (in fact the whole night except TGYH is gonna be stuck on ABC).

No doubt there will be many references to APEC, Bush and Howard - but don't despair all you supporters, Chas and a stripper have a go at Kevin Rudd too.

And tqd - I think the "traffic hell you had to have" may have a huge impact on ratings this week - ESP in Sydney. I hope you told your screaming kids that the pain will be worth it when APEC finishes and great things are accomplished! You know - like mmmm, ummm, burp, cough....

Posted by: bettestreep on September 5, 2007 7:11 PM

hey david. just wanted to know if you could show some of the late night ratings like 10 news and shows like futrarama and daily simpsons to see how they are going. cheers man i hope to see them.

Tribal Mind replies: Late news, Futurama and Simpsons in the chart now. Anything else you need?

Posted by: ryan on September 6, 2007 7:22 AM

Summer Heights High - without a doubt the hardest I have laughed at the screen in a very long time. Already downloaded it to iPod and cannot stop watching the Mr G classroom dancing scene.
Brilliant. (Kath and who?)

Posted by: B_Dubyuh on September 6, 2007 8:23 AM

Spicks and Chasers were amusing last night - but Summer Heights High was BRILLIANT!
I laughed so much - and was in tears. This was the sort of comedy Kath & Kim and The Wedge could only dream of.
Hopefully it will rate it's pants off and the church groups and Andrew Bolt will write about how offensive it was.
You can just predict the headlines - foul mouthed, racist (esp towards polynesians), offensive (towards disabled persons and gays) and the digs at public vs private schooling? (anti- Howard of course).
Despite it all - I LOVED IT!
Chris Lilley - Heroes was funny - but with Heights - well you've reached the top!
Bravo!!!

Posted by: bettestreep on September 6, 2007 8:27 AM

Would like to add my support to comments by bettestreep. Summer Heights High was superb. Chris Lilley has just nailed it with this show. Our family was in stitches, especially my two high school boys. Along with The Chasers and Spicks it was good night of TV viewing from the Aunty.

Posted by: Garry S on September 6, 2007 8:55 AM

Channel Shirley McEnroe is MUCH too polite a name for it this morning.
I have Foxtel IQ but do watch FTA as well. However, I hate watching series where I miss episodes & so obviously record them (incidentally one of the main reasons i forked out for Foxte in the first place!).
Until last week I didn't bother trying to record anything on 7 or 10 as their programs are not listed on IQ's EPG.
Last week ch Sh no BOGAN finaaly started listing its programs on the IQ. Good, I thought - I might actually start watching some more ch 10 programs. The first 2 shows I recorded BOTH cut off a few / several minutes from the end. Last week's L&O & yesterday's Torchwood No more!
I'd rather wait until they come out in a year or two's time on Foxtel or may even spend the APEC long weekend learning to download.
TM I know that expalnations have been posted before and i don't want to waste people's time so is it possible to point to a previous week where an explanation was posted. Sorry to be a pest with such a repetitive question.
I HAVE HAD ENOUGH AND I AM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Tribal Mind replies: The only explanation is that Ten is chronically unable to stick to its timetable. The Foxtel digital guide needs to be programmed differently.

Posted by: Befuddled on September 6, 2007 9:54 AM

EXCELLENT! The ABC had three shows in the top 10.

Take note, commercials. People like innovative, fun and aussie programmes.

All three were terrific, with SHH the standout. Can't wait till next week!

Posted by: andy on September 6, 2007 9:54 AM

Summer Heights High was brilliant and the 1.2 million viewers were well deserved. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this 'boganest school'. It's a good night for comedy because The Chaser and TGYH were great too.

Posted by: J Bar on September 6, 2007 10:03 AM

Posted by: fenny bate on September 5, 2007 1:05 PM
Jack Marx was fired for an article he wrote about Kevin Rudd attending a strip club.

Posted by: Lisa on September 6, 2007 10:37 AM

Does anyone know if ABC are repeating the first ep of SHH ? I'm so annoyed I missed it ... stupid cold ruining my viewing desires!!! something I've been meaning to say - Adelaide doesn't seem to have as many issues with the stations being arrogant with promo's over the last minutes of shows etc. A few comments re House last week and the DVD ad and early in the year Grey's blacking out - we don't seem to have the same issues - we saw all of House without interruption and same with (can't remember exactly what they were now) the issues with Grey's. Must be local ignorance to viewers rather than a sweeping situ.

Posted by: Karen on September 6, 2007 11:16 AM

Hi TM. Completely off topic as in The Daily Truth is a completely other blog and therefore not your remit?
Anyway, thanks Lisa. Wish I'd got to read the article!
Cronk, IMDb says you're right! I can still see Lloyd in my mind's eye but.

Posted by: fenny bate on September 6, 2007 11:28 AM

Does anyone know whether "Black Books" is returning this year?
I've been keeping an eye out on ABC's chunk in the weekly TV guides.
^_^

Posted by: Abi on September 6, 2007 11:45 AM

Does anyone know if ABC are repeating the first ep of SHH ? I'm so annoyed I missed it ... stupid cold ruining my viewing desires!!! Posted by: Karen on September 6, 2007 11:16 AM

I suspect (and it's been implied by those who gave him the arse) that the article itself wasn't the reason for the sacking. Apart from not being as well written as some of the stuff he's done, it really wasn't more offensive than other things he's gotten away with. Seems the article was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

In a TV-relevant question; TM, do you have any idea as to whether or not Waking The Dead will be making a reappearance? Nine played it pretty sporadically for a couple of weeks then it just kinda dropped away.

Posted by: Lisa on September 6, 2007 2:25 PM

Am i the only one who thought Chaser had lost it's edge a little last night? Also with the TGYH shetch, was that real or was that staged? I just don't know now after what Today Tonight has 'exposed' and before anyone starts, that night was the only time all year i've watched TT.

Posted by: fenny bate on September 6, 2007 11:28 AM
Fenny you can get your hands on the article by googling Jack Marx and Kevin Rudd. I've read MUCH more controversial material in the two Sam's blogs so methinks there is petty politics at play... (& so much for the free speech bs so often touted by the press...)
Also, it would have been the decent thing for SMH to let readers know where the blog went as it just *disappeared* from the SMH website but I guess that shows the level of regard those who pull the strings must have for us readers...
Sorry TM this is DEFINATELY off topic but I needed to vent.

Tribal Mind replies: Say what you like, but next time, could you please spell definitely correctly?

Posted by: censorship alert on September 6, 2007 4:10 PM

SHH was so so last night. I guess I was a big fan of Chris Lilley's previous show and was expecting more variety or something different. Although Chris introduced new characters and retained Ja'mie King, I found the show to be too similar for my liking. I may watch it again but wasn't impressed. Too similar to the last one, i am afraid.

Posted by: ozboy1999 on September 6, 2007 4:15 PM

Karen you can download the whole ep of SHH as a podcast from the ABC site or on itunes for free. Each ep will be available free for a week after it airs.
I have to say props to the ABC for making podcasting so easy and accessible. Not bad for an allegedly fuddy-duddy station. I don't see 7, 9 or 10 doing anything like it - they are the ones still in the dark ages.

Posted by: LAH on September 6, 2007 4:25 PM

why is channel 7 Melb. Showing an hour of home+away 2nite?

Tribal Mind replies: Doubtless the equivalent of this service provided by The Age will be able to answer that question. This Sydney Morning Herald service has no idea. Probably some arcane football ritual.

Posted by: Harry on September 6, 2007 4:44 PM

Must add my applause for SHH last night - as a former drama student Mr G is hilarious!! Definitely going to buy the dvd for this one!!
stephen, the TGYH thing was obviously staged, they have also performed a sketch on Sunrise previously which they filmed after Sunrise was finished for the day. Just because it's not "real" doesn't make it any less funny, I found it hilarious!!

Posted by: Beckala on September 6, 2007 5:41 PM

OK, now I'm getting paranoid - my last 2 posts have disappeared!
One last night, one early this afternoon.
And I'm not going to tell you what I said, so there.

Tribal Mind observes: Well, there's not much point in my approving this one, is there? I have no record of any earlier posts from you. Please send again.

Posted by: Sal on September 6, 2007 5:48 PM

Like your bit about ABC viewers and their electric blankets, TM. Very funny.

Posted by: Lisa on September 6, 2007 6:08 PM

I think the funniest stuff on TV last night - and today (Thursday) has got to be the APEC meeting!
All I am seeing is traffic chaos and Chaser team making complete fools of the $300m security!!!
But the funniest of all is seeing Mr Bush proudly endorsing Mr Howard for this years election. Had me in stitches! Can't wait for silly shirt day!
Tonight I was impressed with So you think you can dance - for some reason it is more enjoyable than Idol. I guess it is sexier and the judges not so nasty. Also love the editing - none of this "after the break crap". And the dancers with disabilities were treated with utmost respect - no schmaltz no nastiness - just to the point and done with class.
As for L& O - yet another excellent episode. Hmmm I wonder who Chevy Chase was supposed to be???
Well I've watched all stations except Nein this week. Don't despair Nein fans - they are having the US Open Finals this weekend - so looking forward to watching it. I am sure Fred Stolle and John Newcombe will talk about Leyton Hewitt all throughout the matches - should I expect anything less????

Posted by: bettestreep on September 7, 2007 12:00 AM

Anyone care to register their predictions for the AFL and NRL TV ratings for Friday and Saturday?

Posted by: ryan on September 7, 2007 1:47 AM

Anyone willing to make any early estimates as to what The Chasers ratings figure will be next Wednesday? Next thing you know, the Catholic Church will be out in force demanding advertisers withdraw their ads from the programme!

Posted by: Bereft Skerrick on September 7, 2007 9:31 AM

Ch Nein are removing ER as of this week, replaced with (yep) CSI repeats. Must be drinking the same water as Ch Shirl over there. Start saving your pennies for the Sopranos Season 8 DVD, because methinks that's going next.
Bionic Woman coming to Ch 7 on Thursdays 930pm soon.

Posted by: cronk on September 7, 2007 9:51 AM

Chris Lilley is awesome! Mr G and his "performances" for his class had my family in stitches in those masks and pink blanket. The Chaser still manage to make it to TV even though it's not their slot, and last night on the news, that was the funniest piece of all, seeing security being breached.

Posted by: Mack on September 7, 2007 10:00 AM

Does anyone know what was going on with channel 7 in Melb last night? Everything seemed to be about an hour out - I got very confused when H&A was still on at 8pm!

Posted by: ej on September 7, 2007 10:07 AM

Thanks lisa and censorship alert. It's a slow work day - Friday and all - so I'm gonna check it out.

Posted by: fenny bate on September 7, 2007 10:14 AM

Sal - also had a post go mia yesterday morning but wasn't anything of great import.
Cronk thanks for the update re ER -Start useless rant...
why am I unsurprised - they could have least mentioned it al the end of this week's episode - no what am I thinking that would require channel nein to show consideration for its viewers - they can spend ages promoting endlessly pathetic and mind sapping programmes such as the "new" monday show with the clips = i:caught... or when blue heelers afloat may end BUT nothing like sorry - we are taking ER off air after what 4 - 5 episodes.
There is now only 1 show I watch on Nein (without a Trace) and after next week that goes so raspberries to channel nein - another viewer bites the dust!
Rant over..
Now given the number of specials on Diana, Brock & Steve Irwin - what is the betting on a Pavarotti tribute to air in the next week...likley culprit Nein

Posted by: Cathy on September 7, 2007 10:22 AM

Well done to just about every Australian media outlet helping promote next week's episode of Chaser. I think they may well outrate K&K for the highest audience of 2007.
You can tell Ch Nein are still keen to poach the Chaser boys, as the coverage on ACA was almost sympathetic, whilst TT got all nanna on them. I can't see the boys going to a commercial station though, it would be too restrictive on their style of humour. They couldn't do their Ad Road Test in case it offended the stations sponsors.

Posted by: cronk on September 7, 2007 10:22 AM

I can answer the question into why seven showed H&A for 1 hour last night in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Tonight Seven will have BHG on @ 7pm in those states with the AFL live from 8pm. In Sydney and Brisbane it is H&A at 7pm BHG special 2 hours @ 7:30pm and then the AFL at 9:30pm
Also have seen a couple of Ads for Bionic Woman. The ad says something like Under Construction... Bionic Woman...7. This is one interesting move by channel 7.

Posted by: Guy on September 7, 2007 10:55 AM

Will Ross vote himself off survivor Willoughby?

Posted by: TGO on September 7, 2007 11:01 AM

My turn to rant...The ER on, ER off situation is becoming RIDICULOUS! What is going on??? I remember a time not so very long ago when I knew when all my shows would be shown and I didn't have to check the guide EVERY DAY to make sure that they hadn't been dropped or moved to some other day and time. With all the movement and repeats there is absolutely no continuity at all in storylines...I find that I'm losing interest in shows like House (which I LOVED) because the stories are completely disjointed because of all the repeats being thrown in the middle of new episodes. I can only imagine how many repeats of House we will have to put up with in this next season coming. Phew. End rant.

Posted by: Bee on September 7, 2007 11:27 AM

Gee cpandilo, I'll bet Channel 10 are kicking themselves paying an entire programming department big bucks when they can have your opinion free, as to how they should schedule their line-up. (Don't you have anything else to do?)
As for including David Letterman, I've watched it open-mouthed a couple of times. It is soooo bad. He rarely looks at the camera, everyone he talks to seems to be off screen, including that god-awful muso in sunglasses, whose sole purpose seems to be making un-funny remarks off camera (at least I presume it's him). He's appalling - in fact the whole show is appalling, with an audience that will laugh at anything.

Hi TM
Could you tell me how Law & Order and The Footy Show rated last night?
Thank You in advance.

Tribal Mind replies: TFS 1.04m, L&O 974,000.

Posted by: rt on September 7, 2007 2:40 PM

Just saw the ad for Bionic Woman coming to Thursday for Channel 7. Interesting for them to program a new show this year, but FINALLY, a show worth watching on Thursday. Much better than their current line up, and all the other rubbish on Ten and that deary boring sea patrol.

Posted by: Aaron on September 7, 2007 3:39 PM

Mack said" The Chaser... last night on the news, that was the funniest piece of all, seeing security being breached."
That was funny to you, was it? Jeez you're easily pleased.

Posted by: Stroker_Ace on September 7, 2007 6:27 PM

Those look like great figures for SYTYCD.
TM, because it went for 2 hours does that mean it won it's 7.30 timeslot and came 2nd in the 8.30 timeslot? If so that really is a good result.
I enjoyed it alot and hope it continues to do well

Posted by: stephen on September 7, 2007 8:58 PM

Chasers will rate its arse off no doubt but frankly you do not need to watch it this week as we will have seen all it on the news. Three stunts in three days - all that is left is the intro and the Putin jokes.
Is ER gone for good or is it moving to midnight every second saturday as part of some brilliant Ch Nein strategy?

Posted by: Cat on September 7, 2007 9:54 PM

How did Neighbours rate on Friday?

Tribal Mind replies: Badly -- 680,000.

Posted by: matt on September 8, 2007 9:41 AM

May I ask how It's Me or The Dog went yet again this week? I'm guessing worse than usual with the football overload.

Tribal Mind replies: 558,000. Does that please you or sadden you?

Posted by: Dave on September 8, 2007 10:03 AM

Hey TM,
Tomorrow, just a heads up. Can you please provide the ratings for the Rugby World Cup Opening Ceremony, France v Argentina game at 4:30am live, the France v Argentina 10am replay and also the wallabies match at 11pm.
ThnxTribal Mind replies: If I get it, I'll provide it.

Posted by: Rich on September 8, 2007 11:36 AM

I would just like to give a plug to a great show returning to SBS on Friday night - Russian Dolls. Great drama about the ugly world of sex trafficking told from many different angles.

Posted by: Neil on September 8, 2007 12:41 PM

I haven't yet seen Seven's promo for The Bionic Woman remake series (with a Brit actress in the lead, who'll probably do an American accent in it) that'll have much more sophisticated technology than the older original version. It doesn't start airing in North America till the end of this month, so Seven will be trying to do an F you to Aus downloaders, to get them to watch ads, even though it'll be more suited to a 9.30 pm timeslot. The show's showrunner is one of the great Batt Galactica (the new version) show's producers and we all know what fantastic treatment that superb (but unfortunately poor rating) show has got from Ten. TBW is produced and funded from Universal TV (that Ten have an output deal with), so Ten mustn't have been interested in TBW and resold it to Seven.

Posted by: Steve on September 8, 2007 1:25 PM

Re: It's Me or The Dog

It saddens me a little in that a show that has done well in the past is now in a crappy timeslot with big competition and is suffering because of it.

Posted by: Dave on September 8, 2007 1:44 PM

With the Rugby Union World Cup, due to the abysmal support the sport (like Aus soccer) gets from Aus free to air, I wouldn't have been too bothered if Foxtel had bought the rights to it and I'm surprised that they didn't, but they overpaid / were ripped off for the AFL rights they have, so maybe couldn't afford to.

With The Chaser team having said they'd consider moving to a commercial free to air TV network (when their ABC contract expires in 2 months), it'll be interesting seeing if they really do and if reader – viewers would or wouldn't still watch them. There would be disadvantages and advantages (in addition to being paid much better, one advantage is they'd have the budget to do a bunch of episodes with them doing their stuff in the US and in the UK, which the ABC couldn't ever afford).

Their disadvantage is they must know their current comedic schtick style (in this country anyway) is running out of steam and will burn them out if they keep doing it, if it isn't starting to already. If they go to a commercial network, they'd want to have several contract clauses, like having the freedom to place podcasts of their show (as they do now on their website), the freedom to send up and / or offend the commercial network they're on, without any interference, the freedom to move back to ABC within 6 months, if their show gets cancelled, or if they're unhappy with network interference in their style of comedy. We saw the Good News Week show move to Ten a few years ago and turn into a ratings dud for Ten amongst it's bogan viewers.

Posted by: Joe on September 8, 2007 1:46 PM

Geez Better Homes and Gardens took a hit. It lost about 300k viewers. I'll be watching Dr Who tonight (first time ever) just to see if Captin Jack really is different as to when he's on Torchwood.

Posted by: stephen on September 8, 2007 5:18 PM

The only reason Better Homes and TT were so low last night was because neither were shown in Perth because the footy was live from 6.00pm. Awesome ratings for the AFL last night

Posted by: Lowie on September 8, 2007 5:31 PM

Joe wrote of the Chasers:Their disadvantage is they must know their current comedic schtick style (in this country anyway) is running out of steam and will burn them out if they keep doing it, if it isn't starting to already.
Yes it has. I was expecting them to stage a march on the Saudi consulate to protest the Opec meeting (Gawd bless dubya) but they disappeared.

Posted by: Cat on September 8, 2007 7:28 PM

Quoth Tribal Mind: "Under these circumstances, tonight's Doctor Who is looking very tempting, even if it does include a reappearance by the annoying Captain Jack. What will you choose?"
I chose to record Doctor Who, and look forward to watching it in the near future.
And Captain Jack was never annoying in Doctor Who! In Torchwood, well, that's a whole 'nother situation... (And probably my #1 reason for never getting into Torchwood.)

Tribal Mind remarks (on Sunday morning): As it turned out, Captain Jack was far less annoying in DW than in Torchwood, and it was an exciting first part of a three episode story which turns poliical next week.

Posted by: tqd on September 8, 2007 9:28 PM

Why did Sydney have to lose to Collingwood?
Why?
Why did Collingwood have to ruin my weekend.....

Tribal Mind replies: You should have watched Dr Who.

Posted by: ryan on September 9, 2007 9:37 AM

Hi TM,
Thanks for all the footy figures.
Do you know which city the World Cup match between NZ and Italy wasn't shown in? There seems to be one fewer figures than normal.
Thanks.

Tribal Mind replies: Perth.

Posted by: Samuel on September 9, 2007 10:37 AM

Re Dr Who... still undecided whether last night's ep was up to the standard, the previous three episodes before that were brilliant, but last night's ep was predictable from beginning to end.... predicted the non-human would sneak in & attempted to sabotage the mission, predicted the "you are not alone" character would surface... not giving full disclosure for those who have recorded the show... also feel that this three part storyline parallels last season's final episodes too much... just waiting for the blimps to re-appear... funny how Russell T Davies is the producer of the "new" Doctor Who but the episodes written by him are the weakest, imho... Agree Captain Jack was less annoying in Doctor Who than he was in last night's episode...

Posted by: kate on September 9, 2007 12:58 PM

Quote:
why is channel 7 Melb. Showing an hour of home+away 2nite?
Tribal Mind replies: Doubtless the equivalent of this service provided by The Age will be able to answer that question. This Sydney Morning Herald service has no idea. Probably some arcane football ritual.
Posted by: Harry on September 6, 2007 4:44 PM
---------------------------------
Tribal Mind, could you please provide a link to "The Age's equivalent of this service"?
What is it called?

Tribal Mind replies: Sorry, that was a small joke. As far as I know, there is none. Nobody at The Age is as mad as me.